Media Release - respect and protect dams

With the mild autumn weather enticing people outdoors, Water Corporation is reminding visitors to its dams to respect and protect drinking water catchments.

Water Corporation manages 125 dams across the State with many having the dual role of drinking water source and popular picnic spot.

To keep water quality pristine, and ensure visits are safe and fun, Water Corporation spokesperson Clare Lugar encouraged visitors to dams to follow its simple rules.

“Many of our dams have fantastic visitor facilities such as walking trails, picnic areas and look outs making them a popular spot for a great day out,” she said.

“We encourage the community to enjoy these picturesque sites, but we ask visitors to help keep our important drinking water clean and protect the environment. This includes obeying directional and informational signage, keeping to pathways, roads and recreational areas, not littering, and leaving pets at home.”

Ms Lugar said occasionally the Water Corporation had to close its dams due to bushfire risk or to carry out maintenance and upgrades.

“We encourage visitors to call us on 13 13 75 or check the Water Corporation Facebook page for any dam closure notifications,” she said.

Water Corporation manages 9 dams within Perth’s Darling Range that supplied about 10% of the Integrated Water Supply Scheme’s demand in 2017-18.

In recent years, we have connected more dams in the southern part of the state. This gives greater flexibility as it allows town’s to access a wider range of water sources.

Before 1975 Perth’s dams would receive an average of 420 billion litres of streamflow each year. Due to climate change last year Perth’s dams received just 153 billion litres of streamflow – and that was a good year!

Media Enquiries:

Contact: Media Team

Phone: (08) 9420 2555

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Water Corporation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, water and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.